YSU

YSU Softball PITTSBURGH -- Youngstown State's record fell to 7-12 with a doubleheader loss to Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Junior Steph Hartman (5-8) scattered seven hits and gave up four unearned runs in six innings in the Penguins' 4-3 loss. In the second game, Pittsburgh's Gina Bessolo tossed her third career no-hitter and struck out six to improve to 5-6, as the Panthers won 10-0. Saturday at noon, YSU will play host to Canisius at McCune Park. LOCAL Curbstoners needA.D. responses YOUNGSTOWN -- Athletic directors who have not sent in order forms for the Curbstone Coaches' all-league basketball banquet must do so by April 8. The banquet is April 14. For ticket information, call Joe at 758-6908. Bubba Memorialgame April 12 WARREN -- The Frank Bubba Memorial All-Star Basketball Game will be held April 12 at the Warren Harding High Fieldhouse. The game, to honor the late Harding coach, will match Mahoning and Trumbull county players at 7 p.m. Coaches participating in the event include Harding's Garry Rowland, Bristol's Scott Groves, Badger's Bill Bogan and Springfield's Jeff Brink. Challenger baseballregistration The Challenger program is designed for any youth that has a mental, learning or physical disability. Every child will enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities. Participants will develop the disciplines of teamwork, citizenship and fair play that are the hallmarks of Little League Baseball. Challenger Baseball is open to area youth ages five through eighteen. Buddies are used by players requiring assistance. Every player on the roster shall be on the batting order and shall play defensively every inning. Interested volunteers are welcomed as managers, coaches, buddies, umpires, and administrative personnel. All are needed as role models to reflect the positive and constructive direction along with patience and understanding to provide area youth with the best positive experience. Registration is open to all children in Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties. Fees are $15 for the first child, $5 for each additional child with a family maximum fee of $25. The season will begin June 23 with one game being played each Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday for six weeks. All games are played at the Boardman Community Baseball Field of Dreams, 410 McClurg Road. Ongoing registration will be taken through May 31. For more information and registration materials, contact Jan Seidler, BCB Vice President Challenger Division at 330-782-5967. REGION Pirates announcesecurity measures PITTSBURGH -- At the direction of the Office of the Commissioner at MLB, the Pirates will enforce the following security measures at PNC Park for the duration of the 2002 season: Fans may not bring coolers, backpacks and large bags into PNC Park. Guests are permitted to bring water and food that can be carried into the ballpark by hand only. Water bottles should not exceed 20 ounces in size, and should be clear, plastic, sealed and disposable. Children's juice boxes and items necessary for medical purposes are permitted. Purses and diaper bags (accompanying infants) are permitted, but should not exceed 9x9x9 inches. All items are subject to search by game day security. NATION Elkington leadsBellSouth by 1 shot DULUTH, Ga. -- Steve Elkington shot an 8-under-par 64 in the opening round of the BellSouth Classic, overcoming a double-bogey to take a one-stroke lead over Phil Mickelson. O'Neal likelyto sit out game BOSTON -- Tests on Shaquille O'Neal's sprained right wrist showed no broken bones, but the Los Angeles Lakers center will probably miss tonight's game against the Boston Celtics. Davis Cupbegins tonight HOUSTON -- The United States has plenty in its favor against Spain in the Davis Cup: a home crowd, a grass court, and Pete Sampras. Sampras will play Alex Corretja in the second singles match Friday in the best-of-5 quarterfinal. Sampras, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, has a 99-17 career record on grass. Andy Roddick will play Spain's Tommy Robredo in the opener. Green earns pole FORT WORTH, Texas -- Jeff Green earned the pole for the O'Reilly 300, shattering the previous Busch series qualifying record at the repaved Texas Motor Speedway with a fast lap at 193.483 mph. Green was one of four Winston Cup regulars to qualify in the top six for Saturday's Busch race. He also was one of 19 drivers who broke Matt Kenseth's 189.880 qualifying record of last year. Vindicator staff/wire reports